Steelers' Calvin Austin III Reminded Russell Wilson Of Former Great Teammate: "I Didn't Realize You Were This Fast"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of questions surrounding their receiver core. Without a true starting-caliber receiver outside of George Pickens, guys like Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III will be expected to grow into that role and become a reliable option, especially Austin, since he is now seen as the leader of the receiver core. To help with that, Austin was among with group of receivers that have joined Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in offseason practices away from the team to try and develop chemistry. 

Austin made an appearance on ESPN 92.9 in Memphis, Tennessee to talk about the state of the Steelers before training camp began. He talked about those practices and how he managed to impress Wilson.

"He actually said that exact thing [da** bro, I didn't realize you were this fast]. Obviously, he had Tyler Lockett, and we're kind of similar builds, I guess you could say. He was just saying how I kind of reminded him of him in some ways. He was like 'he was just extremely fast.'"

Wilson and Tyler Lockett were teammates while they played for the Seattle Seahawks. During their seven seasons together, Lockett had three straight 1,000-yard campaigns, and he had another one in their first year apart. He was even named first-team All-Pro during his rookie season in 2015 as a returner. That speed is what enamored Wilson, and the two made magic together for many years. 

After suffering a foot injury, Austin missed his entire rookie season. He even mentioned on the radio show that this was his first true offseason in the NFL, since he was still recovering from that injury in 2023. Now that he is healthy and should have a normal training camp, he should have an increased workload during the season. If Wilson is as big of a fan of Austin as it seems, he could eventually become a starting receiver. 

Thanks to Austin's insane speed, he was also in the mix for kickoff / punt returns throughout the 2023 season. His 4.32 40-yard dash was shown off on a national broadcast with a 72-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He clearly has the skillset to be an NFL receiver, and if Wilson is able to treat him like Lockett, Austin could have his breakout season. 

How Would The Steelers Use Austin?

Austin got a lot of usage as an outside receiver in 2023 when Diontae Johnson was out with injury. He had a couple big moments, but he also had plenty of goose eggs, as his small frame made it hard for him to win his route off the line of scrimmage. The Steelers could continue to work with him there, especially when Jefferson is out for a play. Some technique could help him there.

The more likely option is that he will get more reps as a slot receiver, where he will be going up against a smaller defensive back one-on-one. That should give him plenty of opportunities to create separation with his speed and give Wilson somewhere to throw to. He could help show Roman Wilson the ropes as he learns to play in the slot and outside as well. 

Either way, if the Steelers don't trade for another outside receiver before the start of the season, someone is going to have to step up. With Austin being the leader of the receivers, as well as a Tyler Lockett clone, he could be that guy for the Steelers. If it works out, the team might have their receiving core for a decade. If not, it will be fine. The Steelers are historically great at drafting receivers.

What do you think about Russell Wilson comparing Calvin Austin III to Tyler Lockett? Could Austin have his breakout season in 2024 with Wilson? Let us know in the comments.

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